10 Must See Christmas Events in Vancouver, BC 2018
If you’re visiting Vancouver at Christmas time or if you’ve lived here all your life, following is a list of ten must see holiday events which are sure to become traditions.
1. Bright Nights in Stanley Park
With over three million lights to brighten up even the darkest winter’s night, Stanley Park has a lot to offer.
Entry into the area is by donation, with all the proceeds going to the Vancouver Firefighters Burn Fund. This spectacular event raises more than $400,000 each year and when joined with the famous Stanley Park Train Ride, it makes for an unforgettable evening.
The event also includes a kid’s craft hut, Christmas films for the kids, photos with Santa in Santa’s workshop, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and so much more.
For more information:
Websites:
https://burnfund.org/ways-to-help/bright-nights-in-stanley-park/
Call: 604-257-8531
Email: stanelyparktrain@vancouver.ca
2. The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Nothing says “you’re at Santa’s Workshop” like real live reindeer!
A short and very scenic gondola ride will elevate you to the very top of Vancouver. Here you will be treated to a true winter wonderland.
Walk through the amazing “Light Walk Tunnel” consisting of tens of thousands of lights as you crunch your way through the snow to Santa’s Workshop. Here you’ll find the frozen 8000 sq ft Blue Grouse Lake, an amazing natural pond, for you and your family’s ice skating pleasure.
There’s a theatre with Christmas Movies, the “Elf Headquarters” craft shop where kids can create their own gift, write a letter to Santa, or just listen to stories, sleigh rides for everyone, a sliding hill, for the kids in all of us, the gingerbread village where you can vote on your favourite gingerbread creation and depending on when you visit there is even an opportunity to have breakfast with Santa.
For more information:
Website:
https://www.grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas
Call: 604-980-9311
3. Polar Express
For all who truly believe… take a short drive up the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish for a ride on the Polar Express. The West Coast Railway Heritage Park offers an hour long, fun filled ride on it’s beautiful heritage train.
Purchase your golden ticket and climb on board for cookies, hot chocolate, carolling and a fantastic train ride.
When you return from your ride, you can explore inside the grand round house which has been transformed into the North Pole. There’s a Santa’s Workshop, elves, stories and of course Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
For more information:
Website:
Email: info@exploresquamish.com
Call: 604-815-4994 or toll free 1-877-815-5084
4. Festival of Lights at Vandusen Botanical Gardens
You will be amazed by the 60,000 sq meters covered with over a million sparkling lights.
Coming into it’s 34th year, this is Vancouver’s longest running winter holiday attraction.
Along the paths you’ll find: an antique carousel, live performers, storytelling, hot chocolate, photos’ with Santa, a dancing light show every 30 minutes and so much more.
For more information:
Website:
http://vandusengarden.org/events/festival-of-lights/
Call: 604-873-7000
5. Vancouver’s Santa Claus Parade 2018-11-21
Celebrating it’s 15th year, this one day only event on Sunday December 2nd, attracts crowds of over 300,000 people! With over 2500 participants including floats, marching bands and entertainers of all kinds.
The event is free of course, but the public is encouraged to make a food or cash donation to the Vancouver Food Bank Society.
The parade itself kicks off at around noon, but you and your family are welcome to attend the Vancouver Art Gallery starting at 10am for all sorts of pre-parade family fun.
The parade begins it’s journey at Broughton and Georgia St. winding it’s way up Georgia and turning south onto Howe St. It then marches straight up Howe to Davie. The whole parade runs about two hours.
For more information:
Website:
http://vancouversantaclausparade.com/
Email: vansantaparade@pacegroup.com
Call: 604-646-3591
6. Heritage Christmas in Burnaby Village Museum
Stroll through the streets of Burnaby’s amazing Heritage Village for an amazing view of Christmas’ long, long ago.
Here you’ll find theatre performances, community choirs, street characters, street musicians, crafts for the children, baking in the farmhouse and of course Father Christmas himself.
The fully restored 1912 C.W. Parker carousel will delight your whole family.
For more information:
Website:
http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/visit/2018-heritage-christmas.html
Email: bvm@burnaby.ca
Call: 604-297-4565
7. Lights at Lafarge at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam, BC
This is a beautiful 1.2 kilometre walk around the lake. There are 10 different themed zones with hundreds of thousands of lights spread over the entire loop. There are some very creative and dazzling home made lights that are done entirely in recycled plastic and glass bottles and even old milk jugs!
Along with the terrific walk around the lake, there are many scheduled events planned:
The opening nights activities (Nov 25th) include: street performers, free hot chocolate and treats, kids crafts, photos with Santa, holiday music, choirs and photo booths.
For more information:
Website:
Email: parks@coquitlam.ca
Call: 604-927-3000
8. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
This is truly a unique holiday light display. Cross over the 137 metre long suspension bridge sitting 70 metres above the Capilano River and enter the Tree Tops Lights Adventure.
Seven suspension bridges attached to eight 250 year old Douglas Firs hanging over 30 meters above the ground. The giant firs are lit above and below the collars, making them the tallest Christmas trees in the world!
Climbing from tree to tree, while being dazzled by the hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights in this spectacular forest is really something to behold.
You can also look for snowy owls, decorate gingerbread cookies and sing along with Christmas carols.
For more information:
Website:
https://www.capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights/
Email: info@capbridge.com
Call: 604-985-7474 or Toll Free 1-877-985-7474
9. Vancouver Christmas Market
One day or one evening may not be enough time to really take it all in or even take most of it in. With over 80 huts full of authentic German sweets, treats and treasures, your belly, along with the rest of your body may need a second visit.
This yuletide tradition is located at the Jack Poole Plaza, the home of the 2010 Olympic Cauldron.
The sights, smells and tastes of the Vancouver Christmas Market are a treat to the senses. Sing-a-long to Christmas carols, watch performances at the Flying Stage, ride the Christmas carousel, fly over Canada all the way to the North Pole and visit Santa.
There is even a lover’s lane walk with over 10,000 lights, mistle toe and a lovelock installation.
For more information:
Website:
https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Call: 778-200-0167
10. Carol Ships Parade of Lights
What started out 50 years ago with one guy and his boat, has today turned into over 50 boats fully adorned in the latest LED holiday wear.
Commercial boats, work boats and private boats alike partake in this water born Christmas light display. This parade of lights can be viewed from the shore as well as from the water. Fridays and Saturdays from Dec 2-17th, over 30,000 people will be a part of this beautiful parade.
Get on board a dinner cruise to be part of the entertainment, it’s a great way to see the boats up close. There are also many shore side celebrations going on throughout the month.
For more information:
Websites:
http://vancouvercruises.com/carolships/vancouver.carol.ship.cruises.cfm
http://vancouversnorthshore.com/events/carol-ship-celebration/
Call: 778-200-0167